Children with autism exhibit deficits in their social interaction and communication skills, along with a tendency to engage in repetitive or rigid behaviors. One proposed treatment for autism is the injection of methyl B-12, a form of vitamin B-12. This injection reportedly can improve executive functions, language, social skills and emotional responses in children with autism. However, little research has been done to support these findings.
Autism
Autism is a developmental disorder that emerges in the early years of childhood. Symptoms typically become apparent by the age of 3. The three main areas of difficulty are social interaction, communication and repetitive behavior. In social interactions, children with autism tend to avoid eye contact, prefer to play alone, misread social cues and struggle to manage their emotions. In communicating with others, these children may have no language or unusual language, using repetitive words and struggling to carry a conversation. They may also struggle with nonverbal communication, struggling to use correct tone of voice and read facial expressions. Repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping, toe walking, rigid routines and lining up toys are often present.
Vitamin B-12
The vitamin B-12 is soluble in water. Many foods, including poultry, eggs, meat and dairy products, naturally contain this vitamin. Vitamin B-12 is also available as a dietary supplement or prescription. As a prescription, B-12 is commonly given as an intramuscular injection; however, it is also available as an intranasal gel. As an injection, vitamin B-12 is usually given in the form of cyanocobalamin. Injections have quicker absorption rates than other delivery methods. The role of vitamin B-12 is to produce red blood cells, synthesize DNA and enhance brain function.
Methyl B-12 Injections
The use of methyl B-12 injections to treat the symptoms of autism is supported by the work of Dr. James Neubrander. In his work, he reports that 90 percent or more of his patients benefit from the use of methyl B-12 injections. Methyl B-12 is the form of the vitamin that stimulates the biochemical pathways of the brain. Neubrander says that methyl B-12 injections can lead to improvements in language, executive functions such as awareness and attention, social skills and emotional responsiveness, all of which are key deficits in autism.
Side Effects of Methyl B-12 Injections
There are side effects that typically occur with the use of these injections. One is an increase in hyperactivity and stimming behavior. Stimming behavior includes repetitive behavior and movements in response to stimuli in the environment. Neubrander states that because children are more aware, the stimuli in the world around them becomes more present and potentially overwhelming. Additional side effects include difficulty sleeping and a tendency to place objects in the mouth. It is important to undergo this type of treatment only under a physician's supervision.
